What it is: Trilostane (brand name Vetoryl) is a prescription medicine for dogs that blocks the adrenal glands from making too much cortisol (plain‑language class: cortisol‑production blocker).
What it’s for: It’s FDA‑approved to manage Cushing’s disease in dogs caused by either a pituitary tumor (pituitary‑dependent/PDH) or an adrenal tumor (adrenal‑dependent/ADH). Species: dogs only. Status: Rx‑only.
Safety note for front desk: Owners should know this drug requires regular veterinary monitoring. If the dog on trilostane has vomiting, diarrhea, marked lethargy/weakness, or collapse, escalate immediately—these can be signs of over‑suppression of adrenal hormones. A veterinarian can discuss the treatment plan, monitoring schedule, and any side‑effect concerns.
Front desk script: Vetoryl, or trilostane, is a prescription medication for dogs that helps lower excess cortisol for Cushing’s disease. It’s used for both pituitary‑type and adrenal‑type Cushing’s. Your veterinarian will set the plan and monitoring tests for safety. If you notice vomiting, diarrhea, extreme tiredness/weakness, or collapse while on this medication, please contact us right away—if severe or the pet collapses, go to the nearest emergency clinic.
Top owner FAQs (quick answers):
Q: What is Vetoryl (trilostane) for?
A: It helps manage Cushing’s disease by lowering extra cortisol. It controls signs but isn’t a cure; most dogs improve over weeks. Your veterinarian can discuss expected changes for your dog. ([dechra-us.com](https://www.dechra-us.com//Files/Files/SupportMaterialDownloads/US/Vetoryl-CIS-Update-2.pdf))
Q: How should I give it at home?
A: Give the capsule with food. Do not open or split the capsule. Wash hands after handling; people who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant should avoid handling it. Keep out of reach of children and pets. ([dechra-us.com](https://www.dechra-us.com//Files/Files/SupportMaterialDownloads/US/Vetoryl-CIS-Update-2.pdf))
Q: What if I miss a dose?
A: Call us for guidance. In general, do not double up; if it’s close to the next scheduled time, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule, but your veterinarian will advise for your pet. ([petmd.com](https://www.petmd.com/pet-medication/vetoryl?utm_source=openai))
Q: What side effects should I watch for?
A: Contact us the same day if you see vomiting, diarrhea, low energy, not eating, or weakness—these can mean cortisol has dropped too low. If your dog collapses, has bloody diarrhea, or can’t keep water down, go to the nearest emergency vet now. Your veterinarian will decide next steps. ([dechra-us.com](https://www.dechra-us.com//Files/Files/SupportMaterialDownloads/US/Vetoryl-CIS-Update-2.pdf))
Q: Will there be recheck tests?
A: Yes—this medication requires ongoing check-ins and bloodwork, including an early follow-up after starting and regular monitoring over time. Your veterinarian will set the exact schedule. ([dailymed.nlm.nih.gov](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=22a5e838-c9a3-40d2-84cd-15df6ada913b&utm_source=openai))
Front desk script: Vetoryl helps control Cushing’s by lowering extra cortisol, and it’s given with food. Please don’t open or split the capsules, and avoid handling if you are pregnant; wash your hands after giving it. If you notice vomiting, diarrhea, not eating, low energy, or weakness, please call us today—if your dog collapses or can’t keep water down, head to the nearest emergency hospital now. For missed doses or timing questions, I’ll have the veterinarian advise you, and we’ll schedule the required recheck testing.
What owners most often report after starting Vetoryl (trilostane) are tummy upset (vomiting, diarrhea/loose stool), a poor or reduced appetite, low energy/lethargy, and sometimes shaking/trembling. These effects are documented on the manufacturer label and by FDA. As the medication controls Cushing’s signs, thirst, urination, and appetite should trend back toward normal; a sudden big drop in appetite or water intake is not expected and should be flagged. Your veterinarian can discuss whether these signs are acceptable or if monitoring or testing should be adjusted. ([dechra-us.com](https://dechra-us.com/Files/Files/SupportMaterialDownloads/US/Vetoryl-US-Marketing-Insert-85-x-11-Dog-2-2-2.pdf))
Triage thresholds for reception staff: Monitor at home if there is a single soft stool or a dog is a little quieter for a day and otherwise eating/drinking—ask the owner to update the clinic if it happens again. Same‑day call/visit is needed for any vomiting or diarrhea more than once in 24 hours, refusal to eat a full day, marked lethargy, new shaking/trembling, or if thirst/urination are not improving or seem worse after starting the medication. Treat as an emergency (advise immediate ER) for collapse, bloody or black diarrhea, severe repeated vomiting/diarrhea with listlessness, or very pale gums—these can indicate oversuppression of adrenal hormones and can be life‑threatening. A veterinarian must advise on whether to give the next dose. ([dechra-us.com](https://dechra-us.com/Files/Files/SupportMaterialDownloads/US/Vetoryl-US-Marketing-Insert-85-x-11-Dog-2-2-2.pdf))
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about Buddy on Vetoryl. Some dogs can have stomach upset or seem more tired; because these can also mean the dose needs adjustment, I’m going to alert our medical team now. If Buddy is vomiting or has diarrhea more than once today, won’t eat, seems very weak, or collapses, please go to the nearest emergency vet while I notify our doctor. Otherwise, let me place you on a brief hold so I can check when the veterinarian wants to see Buddy or run labs. The veterinarian will advise you about today’s dose.
Form and how to give: Trilostane (Vetoryl) is an oral capsule for dogs. Give the capsule whole with food; do not open, crush, or split it. Wash hands after handling; people who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant should avoid handling the capsules. Keep capsules in their original packaging until use, and give exactly as directed by the prescribing veterinarian.
Pilling tips: Offer a small bite of food, then the capsule hidden in a soft treat or pill pocket, followed by another bite to encourage swallowing. Watch to be sure the capsule is swallowed. If the dog refuses food or repeatedly spits the capsule out, do not force it—ask the veterinarian about next steps. If swallowing capsules is a persistent problem, the veterinarian can discuss alternatives (for example, different capsule strengths or, if appropriate, a compounded form); note that compounded trilostane products have shown variable strength and dissolution, so any compounding decision should be made by the veterinarian with a reputable pharmacy.
Troubleshooting side effects: Some dogs may have stomach upset. If the pet has vomiting, diarrhea, not eating, marked lethargy, weakness, or collapse, this may indicate a serious problem—escalate to a veterinarian immediately; if severe (bloody diarrhea, repeated vomiting, pale gums, collapse), direct the client to emergency care right away. Your veterinarian can discuss whether and how to adjust the plan after assessing the pet.
Front desk script: This medication is a capsule that must be given whole with a meal—please don’t open or split it. If your dog won’t take it, try hiding it in a pill pocket or small bit of food and watch to be sure it’s swallowed. If they keep refusing it, we’ll have the doctor advise you on options, including whether a compounded version is appropriate. If you see vomiting, diarrhea, not eating, extreme tiredness, weakness, or collapse, that can be urgent—please come in now or go to the nearest emergency hospital.
Trilostane (Vetoryl) is a long‑term, prescription‑only medication for canine Cushing’s disease. Refills are commonly tied to required monitoring: after starting or any dose change, patients should be rechecked at 10–14 days, then again at about 30 days, 90 days, and every 3 months thereafter; the veterinarian decides visit timing and how many refills to authorize. If a dog on trilostane has concerning signs (vomiting, diarrhea, poor appetite, lethargy, weakness, collapse), stop the refill workflow and alert a clinician immediately, as these can indicate serious adverse effects. ([dechra-us.com](https://www.dechra-us.com/management-areas/companion-animals/endocrinology/canine-hyperadrenocorticism/monitoring-cushings?utm_source=openai))
When taking a refill request, collect: patient and owner identifiers; current capsule strength and how often the client is giving it as last directed by your veterinarian; how many doses remain and when the next dose is due; any recent changes in appetite, energy, vomiting/diarrhea, weakness, or collapse; and pickup vs. pharmacy preference. Note for external dispensing that Vetoryl comes as sealed capsules and the label instructs that capsules should not be opened or split; verify the brand and strength requested match the medical record. The veterinarian can discuss recheck scheduling and any changes to the prescription. ([dechra-us.com](https://www.dechra-us.com/Files/Files/SupportMaterialDownloads/US/Vetoryl_Package_Insert.pdf))
Turnaround: aim for 1–2 business days for routine refills after doctor review; mark requests as urgent if the client is down to a very limited supply. For outside/online pharmacies, an active veterinarian‑client‑patient relationship (VCPR) is required; the doctor may issue a written prescription or contact the pharmacy directly. Use licensed, reputable pharmacies and document all approvals. ([avma.org](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/avma-policies/guidelines-veterinary-prescription-drugs?utm_source=openai))
Front desk script: We can help with your dog’s Vetoryl refill. First I’ll confirm we have a current exam and required monitoring on file. To process this, may I verify your dog’s name, the capsule strength and how often you give it as last directed by our doctor, how many doses you have left, and whether there have been any changes like vomiting, diarrhea, not eating, low energy, weakness, or collapse? Refills are usually ready within 1–2 business days after the doctor reviews; if you prefer an outside pharmacy, we can send a prescription once approved. If you’re seeing vomiting, diarrhea, won’t eat, weakness, or collapse now, I’m going to connect you with the medical team right away.
Trilostane lowers cortisol. If it pushes cortisol too low, dogs can crash into an Addisonian crisis. Red flags that require immediate escalation: repeated vomiting or diarrhea (especially bloody), sudden refusal to eat, marked lethargy/dullness, weakness, shaking or muscle tremors, or collapse. These serious reactions can occur at any time during therapy and, while uncommon, have resulted in death. If any of these are reported, stop triage and get a veterinarian or technician on the line now.
Possible overdose/extra doses or a pet getting into the bottle are emergencies. Toxicity looks like very low cortisol: loss of appetite, profound lethargy, vomiting/diarrhea (may be bloody), tremors, weakness, or collapse. Signs of a severe allergic reaction (facial swelling or hives, trouble breathing, sudden vomiting/diarrhea with collapse) are also emergencies. Your veterinarian must assess and advise next steps; do not provide dosing changes from the front desk.
Front desk script: Because your dog is on Vetoryl (trilostane), the signs you’re describing can be an emergency. I’m getting our veterinarian or nurse on the line right now—please stay with me. If your dog collapses, has trouble breathing, or we get disconnected, go to the nearest emergency hospital immediately. If an extra dose may have been given or the bottle was chewed, keep the packaging handy; if we can’t reconnect, Animal Poison Control is available 24/7 at 888-426-4435 (ASPCA) or 855-764-7661 (Pet Poison Helpline).
Trilostane (Vetoryl) can interact with medicines that affect adrenal hormones, potassium, and kidney blood flow. Always flag these right away for a veterinarian to review. Known interaction categories include: ACE inhibitors (e.g., benazepril, enalapril) due to additive aldosterone-lowering effects; potassium‑sparing diuretics (spironolactone) and potassium supplements because of hyperkalemia risk; antifungals like ketoconazole that can further suppress adrenal function; and prior/recent use of mitotane (Lysodren), which requires veterinarian-directed timing before starting trilostane. Your veterinarian can discuss whether extra lab monitoring or medication adjustments are needed in these situations.
Commonly mentioned or co‑prescribed meds to listen for and flag: ACE inhibitors (benazepril, enalapril), spironolactone, potassium supplements, ketoconazole, and a history of mitotane use. Also ask about any over‑the‑counter human pain relievers (ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen); do not advise giving these—human NSAIDs can be dangerous to dogs and any human medication should be cleared by the veterinarian first.
Urgent red‑flag symptoms while on trilostane that require immediate handoff to a veterinarian or emergency referral include vomiting, diarrhea (especially bloody), severe lethargy/weakness, collapse, or not eating. These can indicate excessive adrenal suppression or electrolyte problems and need prompt medical assessment.
Front desk script: Thanks for letting me know about the other medication. Some drugs—like enalapril/benazepril, spironolactone, potassium supplements, antifungals such as ketoconazole, or recent Lysodren (mitotane)—can interact with Vetoryl, so I’m going to have our veterinarian review this today before we advise anything. Please avoid giving any human pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen unless our veterinarian says it’s okay. If your dog has vomiting, bloody diarrhea, becomes very weak, or collapses, please go to the nearest emergency hospital now and I’ll alert our team.
Storage: Keep Vetoryl (trilostane) capsules at controlled room temperature 77°F (25°C); brief excursions between 59–86°F (15–30°C) are allowed. Capsules come in foil blister cards—keep them in the original packaging and store in a cool, dry place. Use only until the expiration date printed on the carton/blister; no special “after opening” shelf-life is listed for the blistered capsules. Your veterinarian can discuss travel or unusual home-storage situations.
Handling and safety: Do not open, split, or crush capsules. Wash hands after handling. People who are pregnant or trying to conceive should avoid handling the capsules. Keep medication locked away and out of reach of children and other pets. Your veterinarian can advise on safer handling for high‑risk households.
Disposal: Prefer a drug take‑back program. If a prompt take‑back isn’t available and the medicine is not on the FDA flush list, mix whole (do not crush) capsules with an unappealing substance (e.g., used coffee grounds or cat litter), seal in a bag or container, and place in household trash. Do not flush unless specifically directed. If a person or an unintended pet swallows a capsule, this is an emergency—seek immediate medical or veterinary care and/or contact Poison Control.
Schedule recheck visits for dogs on trilostane at about 10–14 days after starting the medication (and after any dose change), again around 30 days, 90 days, and then every 3 months if stable. These visits typically include a history and exam, serum chemistry with electrolytes, and an ACTH stimulation test to assess adrenal response. Your veterinarian can discuss the exact tests and any adjustments to this timing for each patient.
Plan for a morning drop‑off: the ACTH stimulation test is timed a few hours after the morning Vetoryl dose, so most dogs stay for several hours (often with testing planned about 4–6 hours after dosing). The doctor will provide specific day‑of‑test instructions and confirm exact timing. Escalate immediately if owners report vomiting, diarrhea, not eating, marked lethargy/weakness, or collapse while on Vetoryl—advise urgent evaluation, and if collapse or severe symptoms are present, direct them to the nearest emergency clinic now.
Front desk script: For dogs taking Vetoryl, we book rechecks about 10–14 days after starting or any dose change, then at 1 month, 3 months, and every 3 months if stable. These visits include bloodwork and an ACTH stimulation test, so please plan for a morning drop‑off because the test is timed a few hours after the morning dose. The doctor will confirm the exact timing and instructions for test day. If your dog has vomiting, diarrhea, won’t eat, seems very weak, or collapses, please contact us immediately—if severe, go to the nearest emergency clinic now.
Trilostane (brand name Vetoryl) is a prescription medication used to manage Cushing’s disease in dogs by lowering cortisol production. The veterinarian determines how it’s given and what monitoring is needed. Clinics commonly plan recheck exams and bloodwork shortly after starting or changing the dose and then at regular intervals; follow your doctor’s instructions and clinic protocols for scheduling. Your veterinarian can discuss the purpose of each recheck and any lab tests.
What to listen for on calls: common side effects include decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, low energy, and weakness. Red-flag signs that require immediate escalation include collapse, bloody diarrhea, severe vomiting/diarrhea, extreme lethargy, or tremors/shaking—treat these as emergencies and connect the client with a veterinarian now; if a doctor is not immediately available, direct the client to the nearest emergency hospital. Do not advise clients to change, skip, or stop medication; the veterinarian will provide those directions.
Safety reminders you can relay: this drug is for dogs only and is not for human use; capsules should not be opened or split, hands should be washed after handling, and people who are pregnant or trying to conceive should avoid handling—your veterinarian can discuss safe handling and any special precautions. Phrases to avoid: “It’s safe to stop/skip/double a dose,” “That’s normal, just wait it out,” “Open the capsule,” or any dosing advice—always defer medical guidance to the veterinarian.
Front desk script: Thank you for calling [Hospital Name], this is [Your Name]. Trilostane (Vetoryl) is a prescription used to manage Cushing’s disease in dogs; our doctor sets the plan and checks bloodwork at scheduled rechecks. If your dog has vomiting, diarrhea, won’t eat, is extremely tired, shaking, or collapses, this can be an emergency—I’m alerting our veterinarian now; if I can’t connect you within minutes, please go to the nearest emergency hospital. For refills or routine follow-ups, I can schedule your recheck per the doctor’s plan—may I place you on a brief hold while I confirm the timing with the medical team?